SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

THE ROVERS SAVE MATCH WITH A LATE GOAL

     Zebbug Rovers and Munxar Falcons shared the spoils in a draw of two goals and with the point obtained the two teams remained practically in the same position on the table. Both Zebbug and Munxar needed a victory for different reasons. The Rovers were aiming to win this match to close their gap from the top teams, while the Falcons needed points to gain some advantage in the tussle at the bottom of the table. It was an interesting match which could have ended either way and therefore the final result is just.

     Munxar saw more of the ball during the first part of the match going close to scoring in the 13^th minute, but goalie Darren pace blocked a close ranged shot by Patrick Falzon. The Rovers replied in the 26^th minute through a low shot by Basil Chibueze that was well saved by goalie Adrian Parnis. In the 32^nd minute Munxar’s Takam Baudouin unmarked Patrick Falzon but the latter concluded badly from a good position. In the following minutes Munxar’s goalie Parnis was called to make two difficult saves. In the 35^th minute the goalkeeper turned in corner a long ranged shot by Chibueze and three minutes later he saved a close ranged shot by Joe Hili who was alone in the area. The Falcons opened the score in the 41^st minute. Joseph Calleja released Patrick Falzon in the area and the latter placed in the corner with a fine shot. Zebbug could have obtained an immediate equaliser but a header by Franco Magrin from a corner action ended just wide.

     The Rovers produced a good reaction after the break. In the 52^nd minute goalie Parnis was well placed to deny Zebbug’s debutant Alvin Grech (ex-Kercem Ajax) from concluding an inviting pass by Chibueze. Minutes later Franco Magrin concluded badly form a good position and substitute Ryan Buttigieg had a good opportunity in the 75^th minute that ended on the side of the net. Munxar operated with fast breaks and Zebug’s goalkeeper Pace kept his side in contention with fine saves following attempts by Patrick Falzon, substitute Shaun Attard and Mario Azzopardi. In the 81^st minute Munxar’s skipper Chris Debrincat cleared off the line an attempt by Chibueze and two minutes later the Falcons had Robert Said sent off for a foul. Zebbug took immediate advantage of the extra player on the field and levelled the score in the 84^th minute through a header by Basil Chibueze following a free kick by Chris Buttigieg. Until the final whistle the two sides could have scored the winner. Zebbug’ Ryan Buttigieg had an attempt cleared off the line by substitute Simon Mizzi and a shot by Chibueze that just missed the target, while Munxar’s best chance to win the match arrived through a shot by Patrick Falxon that ended just over the crossbar.

 Referee: George Portelli

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY